These words are addressed to laymen, that are to say to those who are in front of the Temple and who wish to be elucidated before taking the step to be initiated. For the ancient masons, their art was connected mystically with the construction of the Temple of Jerusalem and King Solomon, therein the expression of ROYAL ART to describe Freemasonry.
Freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality, taught under the veil of allegory through symbols. Indeed, the basis of this method is no other than the glorification of labor. It is explained by our origins from the builders of Cathedrals. All teaching can be understood in two ways: the rational method or symbols. Masonry primarily uses the second. This method may not be suitable to some minds, even brilliant; this is the reason why every man is not always initiatable.
The initiation presupposes selection, qualification and vocation. Thus defined, the ideal work postulates a technique. This is the ART. Freemasonry is essentially a self-discipline, a form of personal development. Our approach is primarily a spiritual journey within. But no approach cannot fit into the world of men without relying on an outside façade, solidarity with the universal.
Individual development led thereafter to the appeal of the world as the Light that shines in us remains invisible to the layman but encourage us to a commitment. The universe is clearly a construction. Like any building, it shows the constructor. Thus, the spirit conceives and the senses perceive a Grand Architect of the Universe. Freemasonry is not a religion. Far from contradicting religions, it signaled its respect not substituting to them. It is compatible with all religions.
It does not overlap but offers a spirituality somehow transversal because no one is obliged to adhere to his ideal but it has a certain conception of the human that addresses. Similarly, Freemasonry doesn’t proclaim itself depositary of any revelation nor dogma. It is an initiatory Order which brings together free men of good report that oblige them to put into practice the ideals of Peace, Love and Brotherhood. It aims to the moral improvement of its members and that of all humanity as the collective ideal or universal proceeds from every Freemason realize in himself. Freemasonry requires its members to keep absolute respect for opinions and beliefs of anyone.
It is, thus, a permanent union of fraternal understanding and fruitful tolerance harmony between men who, without it, would remain foreign to each other. Masons must admit in their Lodges adult men, of perfect reputation, men of honor, loyal and discreet, worthy in all respects to be their brothers and able to recognize the limits of the field of Man and the infinite power of the Lord. So Masons contribute, by active example of their behavior wise and worthy, for the betterment of the Order in respect of the Masonic secret. However, it is not required to disclose all the stages of his spiritual progress nor the processes by which the Masonic practice supports his inner path.
This is the meaning of the reserve taken from the Masonic secret. Freemasons owe each other in honor, fraternal assistance and protection, even at the risk of their lives. In the past, some Freemasons have unfortunately use and abuse of the support and loyalty of their brothers to achieve goals purely venal and very opposed to the Masonic ideals.
They are fortunately few and should in no way be assimilated to the tree hiding the forest. Finally, Freemasons practice the art of preserving, at all times, the necessary calm and balance in a perfect control of themselves. The Freemason is custodian of a Hermetic tradition and proposes to reconcile two opposing worldviews, in appearance: one analytical, objective, other synthetic and intuitive; the rationality and the spirituality. Henceforth, the necessity of silence and secrecy, because whoever is doing it is doing in the depths of his conscience.
How to become a Freemason?
It is necessary to enter the Order, to formalize the application through a form and be sponsored by a patron. Enquiries will follow and the decision of the Lodge is without appeal. Very often, the interested approaches a Freemason who is revealed as such.
Why the secrecy?
If our ceremonies remain secret, is to allow that goes really deep the ascetic or spiritual path, which was mentioned earlier.
What is, in respect of the FM, the position of the Catholic Church?
The Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1983 does not specify in any place the excommunication of Freemasons.
Being a Freemason for what?
The work of an initiate is work of betterment in him.
What is done in the Lodge?
It undertakes a quest to be.
Freemasonry what is it?
To promote a new inner geography and to emancipate.
How to contact us?
By email: mailto: luxexorientis@gmail.com
